ECRU Sector Support

15 November 2025

Update: Contaminated sand products

Following an ACCC recall notice issued over children’s sand products that may contain asbestos, WA Health’s advice is that the products should be contained and isolated.

The national Environmental Health Committee (EnHealth) has stated that testing in an Australian accredited laboratory has identified asbestos contamination in some imported coloured and decorative sand products used in children’s play and craft activities.

The ACCC recalled the products because they may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, which was detected in some samples after laboratory testing.

You can find the latest information about the recall notice on the ACCC website.

Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said that based on current information, the risk presented to the community from these products is low, but we need to take a cautious approach.

Immediate advice:

• Stop using any coloured sand products immediately. Avoid contact with any coloured sand products while we await further testing advice nationally.
• Store the products in sealed containers in a secure location.
• Do not dispose of the products – further advice will be provided to the community about how to safely dispose of them.
• Clean up the coloured sand using wet cloths to avoid generating dust.
• Wear gloves, mask, disposable coveralls (if available) or other protective clothing which will be disposed.
• Double bag the sand, gloves, mask, overalls and cloths.
• Store in a secure location and wait for further disposal advice.
• Services that are in possession of these products are required to submit a notification through the NQA-ITS.
• You may wish to share the following interim statement with your parents and other third-party users of your facilities. 

Dear parents and carers,

We are writing to let you know about a product safety recall of Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand, Creatistics – Coloured Sand and Kadink – Coloured Decorative Sand, that is sometimes used in schools.

The supplier has issued this recall as some batches may contain asbestos. Testing has not found any respiratory asbestos (fibres that can be breathed in), and the overall risk has been assessed as low.

The Department of Communities is following the guidance of Product Safety Australia.

You can read the official recall information on the ACCC website.

We will provide further updates when we can.

Kind regards,

Health information:

• Health effects from asbestos generally occur after long-term inhalation of very small fibres, not from casual or limited contact.
• The recall is a precautionary action based on preliminary results and more comprehensive scientific testing is underway.
• Based on current information and the low risk presented, it is not necessary for people who may have been in contact with this product to seek medical advice.
• WorkSafe may have additional requirements for individual workplaces, which is outlined on its website.

Thank you to those who have already responded and acted according to the previous advice.

 Contact details: 

Supplier contact details: Educational Colours - recalls@educationalvantage.com   

For health concerns: Department of Health (08) 9222 4222